Just to be clear does the practice start at 3:00 or the race itself?
You don't need to show up for the practice session though, if the race starts at 3:00 EST then show up at 2:45 EST and then qualify/race. Jumping right into qualifying is a bit boring, everyone will be focused and being quiet as to not disturb others. Practice will give us a chance to race each other or try things that would not be wise in a race environment. Look at it like climbing out for FSO or the lockout period before a scenario starts.
If you choose not to sit through practice, which is understandable, that is cool. Besides I need that time, not to get better but to suck less!
Strip